Kadarka is a red grape with an uncertain origin. It is most likely a native Balkan variety that spread during Ottoman rule. Due to its finicky nature, it has slightly declined in popularity, but it is still an important red variety, especially in Hungary.

Kadarka is a late-ripening grape that mainly produces fruity and elegant red wines. It is versatile and terroir-driven, so the wines can often vary in character, but they usually have light to medium body, bright acidity, and low tannins. The aroma is typically fruity, often with hints of spice and sometimes with subtle floral notes. 

Trnjak is a rare grape variety that is cultivated in Herzegovina and Central Dalmatia (Zagora). In Herzegovina, Trnjak was mainly grown together with Blatina—a grape that only has functional female flowers and needs other grape varieties to pollute.

Often both types would be used in blends, but recently, Trnjak has been used in the production of exceptional and well-balanced varietal wines. The best expressions of varietal Trnjak are aromatic, dense, and complex with typical notes of ripe red fruit and spices. 

Bobal is a native red Spanish grape that is native to southeastern Spain. This dark-skinned grape is cultivated in several regions, but it flourishes in Utiel-Requena DO, located in the province of Valencia, where it is the undisputed king.

It is estimated that it is the second most common red grape in the country, after Tempranillo. Bobal produces rounded red wines with medium to full body, rich tannins, and great acidity. The wines are deeply colored, dense, and fruity. They are rich but manage to stay fresh. 

Crna Tamjanika is a red grape cultivated in Serbia that is mainly associated with Negotin and Fruška gora. The origin of the grape has not yet been identified, but it is either closely related or identical to Rosenmuskateller, an aromatic grape native to Austria that is also cultivated in Italy (Moscato Rosa) and Croatia (Muškat Ruža).

Crna Tamjanika is a finicky, low-yielding grape with functional female flowers. Because of its characteristics, it was scarcely cultivated in Serbia after phylloxera. Several winemakers recently reintroduced it as a red variety that has excellent potential to produce dry and dessert wines. 

Vranac is a red grape variety most likely native to Montenegro. It is assumed that it originated around Lake Skadar, but it is also an important variety in several Balkan countries and regions, primarily in North Macedonia, Herzegovina, southern Croatia, and Serbia.

The grape probably has ancient origins because it is related to several regional varieties, including Crljenak kaštelanski, also known as Tribidrag, Zinfandel, and Primitivo. Vranac produces intensely colored and full-bodied red wines typically high in alcohol with lively and bright acidity. 

Blatina is a red grape variety that is exclusively cultivated in Herzegovina. The wines produced from Blatina are usually full-bodied, dense, and concentrated with earthy and fruity notes that are often accompanied by well-balanced minerality.

Interestingly, the grape only has functional female flowers which means that it needs other grape varieties to pollute and is fairly difficult to grow. Because of this, it earned a peculiar nickname - praznobačva (empty barrel). Blatina pairs well with various meat dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheese.

Located in the Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny is a French appellation and the sub-region of Samur. The name is used only for the finest Saumur wines that are mainly based on Cabernet Franc, while other permitted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis.

The wines produced in the region are straightforward reds characterized by their intense ruby color and notes of red and dark berries that are complemented by nuances of violets, iris, undergrowth, and spices. These full-bodied wines have supple and well-structured tannins. 

Cviček is a Slovenian wine from Dolenjska region. It is one of the rare examples which is made from both red and white grape varieties. At least four grapes are used in the production of Cviček—the most common option includes Žametovka, along with Kraljevina, Modra Frankinja (Blue Franconian), Laški rizling (Welschriesling), or other locally grown varieties.

Although these wines can differ in character, they are typically low in alcohol and residual sugar, pale red, fresh, easy-drinking, and approachable, while the aromas are vibrant and fruity. Because of its distinctive acidity, Cviček is a perfect complement to traditional Slovenian cuisine, and it goes exceptionally well with cold cuts, roasted meat, pork, cabbage, stews, and sausages.

Beaujolais Nouveau is a light red wine that is produced in Beaujolais region from the Gamay grapes. Because of an excellent global promotion in the second half of the 20th century, this young wine soared in popularity in France and worldwide.

It is released each year on the third Thursday in November, a day which is often celebrated as Beaujolais Day. Since it is released after only six to eight weeks in the cellar, the wine is low in tannins and high in acidity, with fruity and vibrant aromas of grapes, red berries, figs, and bananas.